Natural Reflections leather belts?

This is a discussion on Natural Reflections leather belts? within the Defensive Carry Holsters & Carry Options forums, part of the Defensive Carry Discussions category; Does anyone use these? I wanted a new belt for work because my pants were still falling down with my other belts when my IWB ...

Natural Reflections leather belts?

Does anyone use these? I wanted a new belt for work because my pants were still falling down with my other belts when my IWB holster wasn't in place, but I was impressed with this belt for only $22. The belt I purchased is 1 3/4 inch wide and 3/8 inch thick. It is much stiffer than I expected and I'm now using with my holster and it is actually much more comfortable with my holster as well. If I had planned on getting a gun belt, I was going to get one of the higher end ones, but I'm very happy with this one. My only gripe is the buckle because it feels very wobbly until buckled, but it is very secure when wearing it. I'll get some pictures after I return from an ammo run for those who are interested.

I also purchased one of their credit card wallets and it is apparent I've never had a "real" leather wallet before this one. All the ones I've ever bought were from Target and flimsy. This wallet is very thick with no extra inside lining and looks like it should last me quite a bit longer than my usual wallet. Total damage including shipping for my wallet and belt was $46. Not bad for receiving it three days after ordering. Not bad!

Now onto some pictures now that I've got them uploaded. The first two show the width and the thickness. For the price I was expecting a thinner belt and was pleasantly surprised. I think I might buy a tan one as well for other clothes. I apologize for the clarity of the first picture, I just couldn't get myself to stay as steady as I did for the second shot.

In this picture you can see the leather is already starting to form to the shape of the bulge the holster creates while wearing it.

This is how the belt and the holster mate up, with the pants material sandwiched in between. This will make sense with the two pictures following this one.

In the previous picture you can see the bulge where the bottom section of the holster wraps around the belt. Before this belt, the holstered weapon would drag my pants down a bit on my strong side and the holster would move when drawing. Now it is very solid and I don't have even the slightest slide of the holster when walking and it does not budge while drawing. I wouldn't say this is the greatest holster known to man, but I like it's simplicity and a retention system similar to the Fobus paddles. I'll be replacing this holster with the Desantis Scorpion very soon.

Since I mentioned the wallet, I've decided to take some shots of it as well. I think I have a color theme going on!

It looks like any standard single-layer pants belt - a little less than 3/16" thick. If it's already taking a set, it is not make of very substantial leather, IMHO, but probably a decent value for the price.

Dedicated gun belts should be two layers of leather, about 1/4" thick.

The exception on thickness is the Wilderness belt. Lots of people swear by them but personally I think they look lousy as a dress belt. :)

I use single-layer, suede-lined 1.5" belts from DeSantis as my dress belts and they haven't started taking a set after two months of constant wear. They do nicely with my IWB holsters.